EP3311626B1 - Tragbare gruppenkommunikationsvorrichtung - Google Patents

Tragbare gruppenkommunikationsvorrichtung Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3311626B1
EP3311626B1 EP16815247.8A EP16815247A EP3311626B1 EP 3311626 B1 EP3311626 B1 EP 3311626B1 EP 16815247 A EP16815247 A EP 16815247A EP 3311626 B1 EP3311626 B1 EP 3311626B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
portable communication
communication device
devices
group
audio data
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP16815247.8A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3311626A1 (de
EP3311626A4 (de
Inventor
Peter Celinski
Aiden Riley ELLER
Alwyn Joy George
Naresh Kumar Gupta
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Loose Cannon Systems Inc
Original Assignee
Loose Cannon Systems Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Loose Cannon Systems Inc filed Critical Loose Cannon Systems Inc
Publication of EP3311626A1 publication Critical patent/EP3311626A1/de
Publication of EP3311626A4 publication Critical patent/EP3311626A4/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3311626B1 publication Critical patent/EP3311626B1/de
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L65/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication
    • H04L65/60—Network streaming of media packets
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L65/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication
    • H04L65/60—Network streaming of media packets
    • H04L65/75—Media network packet handling
    • H04L65/752—Media network packet handling adapting media to network capabilities
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/16—Sound input; Sound output
    • G06F3/162—Interface to dedicated audio devices, e.g. audio drivers, interface to CODECs
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/16—Sound input; Sound output
    • G06F3/165—Management of the audio stream, e.g. setting of volume, audio stream path
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10L—SPEECH ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES OR SPEECH SYNTHESIS; SPEECH RECOGNITION; SPEECH OR VOICE PROCESSING TECHNIQUES; SPEECH OR AUDIO CODING OR DECODING
    • G10L19/00—Speech or audio signals analysis-synthesis techniques for redundancy reduction, e.g. in vocoders; Coding or decoding of speech or audio signals, using source filter models or psychoacoustic analysis
    • G10L19/012—Comfort noise or silence coding
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
    • H04B1/38—Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving
    • H04B1/3827—Portable transceivers
    • H04B1/3833—Hand-held transceivers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L65/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication
    • H04L65/60—Network streaming of media packets
    • H04L65/61—Network streaming of media packets for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio
    • H04L65/611—Network streaming of media packets for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio for multicast or broadcast
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L65/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication
    • H04L65/60—Network streaming of media packets
    • H04L65/75—Media network packet handling
    • H04L65/762—Media network packet handling at the source 
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
    • H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
    • H04M1/72403—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality
    • H04M1/72409—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality by interfacing with external accessories
    • H04M1/72412—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality by interfacing with external accessories using two-way short-range wireless interfaces
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/56—Arrangements for connecting several subscribers to a common circuit, i.e. affording conference facilities
    • H04M3/563—User guidance or feature selection
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/56—Arrangements for connecting several subscribers to a common circuit, i.e. affording conference facilities
    • H04M3/568—Arrangements for connecting several subscribers to a common circuit, i.e. affording conference facilities audio processing specific to telephonic conferencing, e.g. spatial distribution, mixing of participants
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/06—Selective distribution of broadcast services, e.g. multimedia broadcast multicast service [MBMS]; Services to user groups; One-way selective calling services
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10L—SPEECH ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES OR SPEECH SYNTHESIS; SPEECH RECOGNITION; SPEECH OR VOICE PROCESSING TECHNIQUES; SPEECH OR AUDIO CODING OR DECODING
    • G10L15/00—Speech recognition
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10L—SPEECH ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES OR SPEECH SYNTHESIS; SPEECH RECOGNITION; SPEECH OR VOICE PROCESSING TECHNIQUES; SPEECH OR AUDIO CODING OR DECODING
    • G10L21/00—Speech or voice signal processing techniques to produce another audible or non-audible signal, e.g. visual or tactile, in order to modify its quality or its intelligibility
    • G10L21/02—Speech enhancement, e.g. noise reduction or echo cancellation
    • G10L21/0208—Noise filtering
    • G10L2021/02082—Noise filtering the noise being echo, reverberation of the speech
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L65/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication
    • H04L65/40—Support for services or applications
    • H04L65/403—Arrangements for multi-party communication, e.g. for conferences
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M2250/00—Details of telephonic subscriber devices
    • H04M2250/74—Details of telephonic subscriber devices with voice recognition means
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/80—Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W88/00—Devices specially adapted for wireless communication networks, e.g. terminals, base stations or access point devices
    • H04W88/02—Terminal devices

Definitions

  • Embodiments of the invention relate generally to wireless communication devices. More specifically, embodiments of the invention relate to wireless portable group communication devices and methods of their use.
  • cellular telephones are useful for one-to-one communication, but do not typically lend themselves well to group communication, i.e. conversations involving more than two individuals at the same time.
  • Devices such as walkie-talkies and other two-way radio systems suffer from similar drawbacks, in addition to often being half-duplex (meaning that only one person may speak at a time) rather than full-duplex (allowing two or more individuals to speak simultaneously), cumbersome to use, not secure, providing poor voice quality, having limited range, and other drawbacks.
  • Some telecommunications devices allow for conference calling, but these devices are typically not portable or require a backbone network such as a cellular network.
  • EP 2020777 A1 discloses a portable communication device comprising a user interface, digital processors in electronic communication with the user interface, and a memory in electronic communication with the digital processors; the digital processors and the memory collectively configured to implement simultaneous radio frequency voice communication between the portable communication device and other portable communication devices; the voice communication comprising the association of the portable communication device with the other portable communication devices by a direct link, wherein the association comprises sending from the portable communication device an invitation message, and in response to receiving an invitation response message from another communication device, sending from the portable communication device a join acknowledge message acknowledging to the other portable communication devices that the portable communication devices that the portable communication device and the other the portable communication devices have joined a group, transmitting audio data corresponding to speech of a user directly via a wireless medium to each of the other ones of the portable communication devices, receiving directly via the wireless medium audio data from each of the other ones of the portable communication devices, and transmitting the received audio data to the user so as to provide to the user combined and simultaneous speech of users of each of the other ones of the portable communication devices, wherein the
  • a portable communication device is defined in claim 1.
  • the invention involves a small, lightweight and portable telecommunications device that allows group communication among a number of users who may be mobile.
  • Each user of a group has a device, and each device allows for full-duplex communication with any other user of the group.
  • the devices thus allow for new forms of group communication. For example, a group of hikers, cyclists, skiers, or the like may be able to communicate with each other in remote areas, even if they are hundreds of yards apart from one another and/or outside visible range.
  • every member of the group may simultaneously be able to communicate with every other member of the group, rather than only being able to communicate with one other member, Furthermore, every member of the group may be able to communicate in full-duplex mode, rather than only being able to communicate in half-duplex mode.
  • the small size and light weight of the devices allows users to easily carry and use these devices while on the move and engaged in physical and other activities for which carrying a device was previously inconvenient or awkward.
  • the devices also allow communication over long ranges, such as radio range or the like. In this manner, groups of joggers, hikers, etc. may communicate with each other even if they are relatively far apart, at different elevations, behind obstacles such as walls, trees, etc.
  • Devices of embodiments of the invention thus allow for many advantageous forms of group communication that were previously difficult if not impossible. For instance, groups of hikers may coordinate with each other to find a lost or injured member of their group even if that member is somewhat far away, or groups of cyclists may carry on a group conversation handsfree while riding.
  • FIG. 1 conceptually illustrates a portable group communication device according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • a group communications device 10 is shown next to, and for optional use with, a cellular telephone 20.
  • the group communications device 10 is a small, portable device that is of sufficiently small size and light weight to allow users to carry device 10 with them while remaining mobile and engaging in various activities, e.g. hiking, skiing, mountain climbing, etc.
  • the device 10 allows users to communicate as part of a group, even without telephone 20.
  • the user may employ optional headphones 30 to speak/listen to other members of the group, with the device 10 acting as a wireless transceiver both transmitting the user's voice (or other) communication to the devices 10 of other members of the group, and receiving voice (or other) communication from the other users as well.
  • FIG. 2 which graphically shows use of multiple such portable group communication devices.
  • four different devices 10 are shown as units 1-4, each of which is a member of a group.
  • each of these units 1-4 communicates with every other unit 1-4 in the group, as shown by the dotted lines.
  • each unit 1-4 receives simultaneous communications from every other unit 1-4, and also transmits communications to every other unit 1-4.
  • every user in the group may simultaneously communicate with every other member of the group.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates use of multiple devices 10 by themselves, i.e. without any other communication devices such as telephones 20.
  • embodiments of the invention also allow for devices 10 to be used in conjunction with telephones 20 or other communication devices.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates use of multiple devices 10 in conjunction with cellular communication devices.
  • two users (person 1 and person 2), use units 1 and 2 in conjunction with both their respective personal cellular phones 21, 22 and with headphones 31, 32.
  • person 1 and person 2 may communicate with each other via the headphones 31, 32 of their units 1, 2.
  • Such communication may be via, for example, voice, video or text.
  • Phones 21, 22 may also perform other functions for person 1 and person 2.
  • phones 21, 22 may play music for persons 1 and 2 respectively.
  • the phones 21, 22 may play stored music or other audio to the respective units 1, 2 via wired connection or wirelessly, and this music may be relayed over headphones 31, 32 to the users.
  • cellular calls over the phones 21, 22 are passed through the units 1, 2 so that persons 1 and 2 may speak through the same headphones 31, 32.
  • Voice communication between the users may interrupt the music or other phone audio, so that the music or other audio signal playing on the phones 21, 22 is muted, its volume is lowered, or the music or other audio signal is paused so that speech relayed over the units 1, 2 is heard over the headphones 31, 32.
  • the units 1, 2 stop receiving speech from other units, the volume may increase back to its previous level, or the music/audio signal is un-paused. That is, the users may receive audio from their phones 21, 22, and may also converse with other users via units 1, 2 at the same time, with such conversations interrupting, mixing with or playing over the audio from phones 21, 22.
  • FIG. 4 is a block diagram representation of components of a portable group communication device according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • device 10 is a small, portable communications device with radio communication capability, and includes a radio 100, application processor 102, memory 104, audio codec 106, and (optional) digital signal processor (DSP) 108.
  • DSP digital signal processor
  • these elements may be implemented as one or more integrated circuits packaged and soldered to a printed circuit board or other substrate, which connects to other elements such as a battery 110, various buttons and status lights 112, one or more interfaces 114, and other electronic interface units 116.
  • the device 10 may be connected to a phone 21, 22 and headphones 30.
  • the radio 100 is a radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuit capable of transmitting and receiving signals in an RF band.
  • RF band Any RF band is contemplated, including but not limited to sub-GHz, ISM, Wi-Fi, and other bands.
  • transmission and reception may be at frequencies between about 170 MHz to about 2.4 GHz. In some embodiments, transmission and reception frequencies fall with the range of approximately 450 and approximately 900 MHz.
  • the radio 100 may also transmit and receive according to any protocol, e.g. WiFi, Bluetooth or any other protocol.
  • the application processor 102 may act as a system controller, and may run code implementing any desired features, including audio encoding/decoding, wind noise or other audio filtering processes, volume ramping, voice control command processing, etc. Alternatively, any one or more of these functions may be performed by other elements such as DSP 108.
  • the memory 104 is accessible by application processor 102, and may store any code and data used by processor 102.
  • memory 104 may store executable code for any of the above described features and for implementation of any of the operations described below.
  • the audio codec 106 encodes and decodes the audio stream handled by device 10, and may include the compression and decompression of digital audio data according to any desired audio file or streaming media audio coding format.
  • filter and digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital conversion circuits for converting analog audio received from the user via headphones 30 to a digital audio signal, as well as for converting digital audio signals received from another device 10 via the Antenna to an analog signal for playback through the headphones 30.
  • filter, digital-to-analog, and analog-to-digital conversion circuits are known.
  • the device 10 may also include an integrated or built-in microphone instead of having a microphone in headphones 30.
  • the device 10 may utilize an external microphone array for improved acoustic performance by, for example, adaptively beam-forming towards the user's mouth.
  • the device 10 may also include an integrated or built-in speaker instead of relying on those of headphones 30.
  • the battery 110 is a battery for a portable communications device, and stores charge sufficient to power device 10.
  • the battery 110 may be any known or other battery adapted for use in portable electronic devices.
  • the buttons/status lights 112 may be any input devices sufficient to input any form of information to device 10, as well as any output devices sufficient to display information.
  • Exemplary input devices may include on/off/reset buttons, volume knobs or dials, and the like.
  • Exemplary output devices may include light emitting diode (LED) indicators of various states, and the like. These input and output devices may be physical switches, icons on a display or touchscreen, or any other vehicle for input or output of any kind of information or commands.
  • the interface 114 may be any interface for transmitting and receiving electronic or electrical signals, such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface or the like.
  • the interface 114 may be in communication with the battery 110 and allow for charging thereof, with the processor 102 or memory 104 to allow for updates to firmware or other programs and code, and/or with any other components of device 10.
  • the other electronic interface units 116 may include any components or structures for conveying information to, or receiving information from, the user.
  • the interface units 116 may include a user interface which can be any one or more of a display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, touch sensitive display, organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, vibration unit for alerting the user by vibrating, speakers, microphones, a keyboard or keypad, and the like.
  • Interface units 116 may also include interfaces to a mobile phone, media player, tablet computer, laptop computer, desktop computer, or any other electronic device.
  • the interface units 116 may also include any one or more of various other hardware components that can be integrated into a mobile electronic device 10.
  • a second radio providing connectivity in a redundant or different frequency band, an external or internal antenna, near field communication (NFC) hardware, a motion sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, global positioning system (GPS) receiver, thermometer, camera, speaker, microphone, light sensor, moisture sensor, barometer, magnetometer, touch sensor, battery level meter, fingerprint reader, solar cells for charging the battery 110, mechanical (motion-based) chargers, and a depth gauge.
  • NFC near field communication
  • GPS global positioning system
  • the components of FIG. 4 are encased within a housing, as shown in FIG. 1 .
  • the housing may be any lightweight and portable housing encasing and protecting the various components of FIG. 4 .
  • the housing may be made of a rigid plastic, a metal such as aluminum or steel, rubber, glass, or the like.
  • the device 10 may be carried comfortably in a user's pocket during even strenuous physical activities.
  • the housing may include mounts, brackets, or other fixtures allowing the device 10 to be mounted or carried in or on any equipment or part of the user.
  • fixtures allowing the device 10 to be mounted onto a helmet, carried in a pocket, hung on a backpack or a piece of clothing, extensible rod, or any other item are contemplated by various embodiments of the invention.
  • the device 10 may be carried or supported by the user in any manner, allowing for the device 10 to be positioned in any manner convenient for comfort, reception/signal strength (i.e. as high up above the ground as possible, to increase operating range), and the like.
  • the housing may also be durable and rugged so as to be weatherproof, shock resistant, and able to withstand a wide range of impacts as well as temperatures during storage and operation.
  • the housing may also include a replaceable or customizable cover for improved functionality and personalization.
  • the complete circuitry of device 10 may be integrated into another device, for example, a camera, a telephone or a tablet.
  • device 10 may share some of the components, like display, keypad, buttons, battery, application processor, memory, DSP and software code with the other device.
  • the complete functionality of the device 10 may be implemented using the existing components in the other device without the need to add any additional components.
  • the Antenna shown in FIG. 4 may be any form of antenna.
  • antennas may be implemented as flexible printed circuit board trace antennas, coiled wires, extendable antennas, or any external antenna. Multiple such antennas are contemplated as well.
  • the device 10 may be programmed to employ known active steering antenna techniques for improved data throughput.
  • the device 10 may also use power amplifiers, range extenders or booster circuitry to enhance the range.
  • FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating operation of one or more devices 10. More specifically, transmission and reception of voice/text information is illustrated.
  • information flow is shown with reference to logical blocks represented in block diagram form. These blocks may be implemented in any one or more of the modules shown in FIG. 4 , such as the radio 100, application processor 102, memory 104, audio codec 106, and/or DSP 108.
  • a user may communicate with another group member, either by speaking or texting. This may be carried out by speaking into the headphones 30 (or other microphone) of device 10, or by typing text into device 10 through a unit 116 such as a keyboard GUI represented on a touch sensitive screen, or physical keys present on the outer surface of device 10.
  • a unit 116 such as a keyboard GUI represented on a touch sensitive screen, or physical keys present on the outer surface of device 10.
  • the user's voice or other audible noise is picked up by the microphone in headphones 30, translated by voice receive (Rcv) circuitry into a pulse code modulated (PCM) or other digital audio stream, and transmitted to a Ping Pong buffer for buffering.
  • PCM pulse code modulated
  • Audio data are retrieved from this buffer at regular intervals to produce a data stream which is then processed to suppress noise, and sent to a voice activity detector (VAD) to determine whether the stream contains any speech samples.
  • VAD voice activity detector
  • the VAD can detect periods of silence. During such silence, data transmission can be halted or reduced to save battery power and channel bandwidth.
  • the VAD simply transmits voice input when it is detected.
  • the audio stream is then sent from the VAD to an encoder for audio encoding.
  • This encoder can utilize any codec for encoding, e.g. an open standard codec such as OPUS or the like.
  • the encoder can also utilize a scratch buffer that can be implemented as a Ping Pong or other buffer.
  • audio is encapsulated into packets, buffered in a queue such as a first in first out (FIFO) buffer, and transmitted in order to other devices 10 in the group. Encapsulation may include the addition of other data besides the audio data payload and conventional packet header information, such as a unique ID number identifying the device 10 transmitting the packet or the sequence number of the packet.
  • Various actions may interrupt packet transmission. For example, user button presses (e.g., on/off/reset/mute, etc.) or the like may instruct a control protocol module to halt the queue, stopping packet transmission. Similarly, the control protocol may transmit other commands to various other modules in response to other button presses such as pairing, unpairing, volume up/down, and the like.
  • user button presses e.g., on/off/reset/mute, etc.
  • the control protocol may transmit other commands to various other modules in response to other button presses such as pairing, unpairing, volume up/down, and the like.
  • Voice packets received from another device 10 are picked up by a wireless radio component, such as a CC1310 RF transceiver made by Texas Instruments Inc., which parses received packets, sends control packets to a control protocol module, and directs audio payload to a buffer. Multiple such buffers may exist, one for each member of the group, where the packets are directed to the appropriate buffer according to an identifier placed in the packet by the particular group member's device 10 and indicating the particular group member.
  • a wireless radio component such as a CC1310 RF transceiver made by Texas Instruments Inc.
  • Packets may be retrieved from each buffer and sent to a decoder such as an OPUS decoder for decoding the audio stream from each group member.
  • the decoder may employ a scratch buffer such as a Ping Pong buffer if desired.
  • Multiple decoders may be employed, one for each remote device, i.e. one decoder and buffer for each remote device to decode the voice data stream from each user in the group.
  • the decoded data streams from these decoders are then mixed by a mixer, to form a single data stream.
  • the mixer may combine the separate decoded data streams in any manner, such as by standard mixing, reducing the volume of audio from those units or nodes that are farther away, and may mix in audible indicators such as tones to indicate that a new user has joined, one has left the group, battery low indication, etc.
  • the mixed data stream may then be sent to a volume scaler, which implements a scaling procedure that scales the magnitudes of the signals to an appropriate volume, for example a volume that is not excessively loud or too high to be supported by the output hardware.
  • Scaling may be performed in any manner, such as in a manner that gives users an experience similar to multiple people speaking nearby each other.
  • the scaled audio stream is stored in a jitter buffer, which allows the device 10 to adjust for variations in packet arrival time, so as to provide users clearer audio without distortions caused by delayed or lost packets.
  • a comfort noise generation (CNG) module then adds comfort noise if desired, to fill silent portions of the audio stream with a low but audible level of artificial noise that indicates to listeners that their connection is not lost.
  • the resulting audio output is buffered in another Ping Pong buffer for output to the audio Tx hardware of the user's audio output device, such as headphones 30.
  • FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram further describing such operation, illustrating voice transmission and reception between and among three users user1-user3 and their three associated devices 10 device1-device3. In an environment with multiple users, more than one use case exists.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates use of devices 10 in three such cases.
  • Case 1 user1 may wish to speak to the entire group. In some embodiments, this may be the default case.
  • user1 may speak into his or her device1, whereupon device1 converts the received audio to a packet stream according to the process described above in connection with the top half of FIG. 5 , and transmits this packet stream to both device2 and device3 (and in this example, device3 receives the stream from device2 where device2 acts as a forwarding node). Both device2 and device3 receive and play back this audio stream for their users user2 and user3, according to the receiving and decoding process described above in connection with the lower half of FIG. 5 .
  • user1 may wish to speak only with user3, and not with user2.
  • User1 would then issue a command to device1 either via a button press or voice command, instructing device1 that its audio is intended only for device3.
  • User1 then speaks to user3, with device1 converting and transmitting a packet stream as above, and inserting an indication within the packets that they are intended only for device3. Packets received by device2 are thus disregarded, while packets received by device3 are decoded and played back as above.
  • device3 may accept packets from device2 but may elect to not process these packets.
  • both user1 and user3 may wish to speak at the same time.
  • Both user1 and user3 speak into their microphones 30 and their devices device1 and device3 each encode and transmit their respective audio streams to the other devices in the group. While transmission is shown as being only from device1 and device3 to device2, actual transmission may be from each of device1 and device3 to the other devices in the group.
  • Device2 receives both audio streams, mixes them as above, and plays the mixed stream to user2. User2 thus hears the voices of user1 and user3 simultaneously.
  • Embodiments of the invention thus yield devices that allow for groups of people to be in radio contact with only each other, and to communicate over significant distances in a "group chat" manner in which, similar to a conference call, all users may speak and hear each other at the same time. In addition, users may choose to speak only to selected other members of the group.
  • the devices are small, lightweight and portable, they allow for groups of people to communicate with each other while carrying out other activities. For instance, groups of hikers, skiers, or cyclists, etc. may use the devices of embodiments of the invention to keep in contact with each other while performing these activities.
  • radio or other wireless communication is employed, the activities of the users do not need to be interrupted during communication. Thus, users may readily talk to each other while on the move, e.g. while they are all skiing, and may maintain communication even while considerable distances apart from each other and moving relative to each other.
  • devices 10 may implement any one or more of the following functions: SMF Protocol: Simple Multicast Forwarding (SMF) may be employed in encapsulation by device 10.
  • SMF provides certain advantages, e.g. it does not require route assessment (beacon) packets, may incur the same resource cost in the linear network case (where devices 10, or nodes, are in a straight line) and collaborates to cover packet loss in dense configurations where nodes are all in close proximity or other configurations.
  • SMF may increase the total packet count transmitted on the network; this can be addressed by increasing the packet data rate.
  • Devices 10 may employ any number of retransmissions for each packet in order to decrease the probability of lost packets.
  • the number of retransmissions may be dynamically adjusted depending on factors like packet drops, network congestion, number of nodes in the network and battery power available. Retransmission criteria and number may be programmed into, for example, the control protocol module.
  • voice packets may be encrypted to ensure that devices that are not a part of the associated group cannot decrypt or understand the communication. Encryption may be performed as part of the encapsulation process.
  • Interference Protection It may be desirable for multiple associated groups to be able to co-exist in vicinity without interfering with each other. Multiple access protocols like FDMA, TDMA, CDMA or others may be used to ensure that the devices 10 can detect whether a received packet belongs to the associated group that it is a part of. Devices 10 may also employ suitable collision detection and avoidance mechanisms like CSMA-CA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access - Collision Avoidance), frequency hopping or others to ignore transmissions from other devices that may be transmitting on the same wireless frequency. Embodiments contemplate implementation of any of these or other suitable protocols.
  • CSMA-CA Carrier Sense Multiple Access - Collision Avoidance
  • Each country has its own set of unlicensed radio bands.
  • devices 10 may support multiple industrial, scientific and medical radio (ISM) bands.
  • ISM industrial, scientific and medical radio
  • Devices 10 may determine which country they are currently within through any source - cellular network, Wi-Fi, GPS or other mechanisms such as an associated configuration mobile application, manual setting or other scheme.
  • Dynamic compression Bandwidth: Generally audio compression has two potential side effects - power consumption, and loss of quality. If there is sufficient bandwidth available in the system, then compression need not be done at all. In practice, the bandwidth may be both limited and variable.
  • a dynamic compression algorithm may be desirable to adapt to the available bandwidth so as to provide best quality and least power consumption, increasing battery life. This may be implemented by dynamically switching among the available voice encoding options (such as OPUS or other) including dynamically adjustable bitrate, audio bandwidth and frame size. That is, the application processor 102 may implement and switch among different encoders according to available bandwidth, and may also implement and switch among different decoders according to the encoding used for the data in received packets.
  • devices 10 may enter into a "battery save" mode where audio is progressively encoded at a lower bitrate, potentially enabling battery life to be extended at the expense of degraded audio quality.
  • a dynamic compression algorithm will adapt to the available bandwidth so as to preserve audio quality.
  • devices 10 may be programmed to decrease the bit rate and increase the number of retransmissions in order to increase the probability of their packets reaching the other devices 10 in the group.
  • Devices 10 are not limited to voice communication - the system may also support, for example, text-based messaging using a user interface or app on a connected phone, where a cellular or Wi-Fi internet connection may not be available. Text may be input via the phone user interface, such as through a dedicated device 10 or other messaging app, and data may be sent over Bluetooth or analog cable to device 10 for transmission to other devices 10.
  • Video calls Devices 10 may also support video communication, for example, a video call between two or multiple users.
  • the video capture may happen through a camera integrated into device 10 as one of the units 116, or via the phone/tablet/laptop interface.
  • the video playback may happen on the display attached to device 10 or through a phone/tablet/laptop interface.
  • Voice Activated Transmission voice activated transmission of speech when speech is detected.
  • Devices 10 may employ known or other techniques and processes for voice activity detection.
  • Audible Relative Position when voice is rendered at a receiving device 10, the relative position of the sender may be indicated. This may be useful, for example to avoid collisions while cycling or skiing. Position information may be encapsulated in transmitted packets according to, for example, information from a GPS module in the transmitting device 10.
  • Audible Relative Distance when voice is rendered at a receiving device 10, the relative distance among members of a group may be indicated by varying the volume of each of the rendered received voice streams.
  • Devices 10 may be programmed with code for recognizing simple spoken commands, for example "Mute Group” or “Speak Only With Jane”. Voice commands may be implemented by integrating an open source or commercial voice recognition SDK such as TrulyHandsfree from Sensory (sensory.com).
  • Devices 10 can implement a scheme where the volume of a speaker is used to control which other devices 10 receive and render the speech - for example, quiet speech may be rendered at devices 10 within close proximity and louder speech at devices 10 further away, not unlike natural human speech among members of a group. More broadly, the volume of the speaker may be recognized and used by devices 10 to determine the volume of the reproduced audio, in any manner.
  • a unit can be "named" by a user, during for example a setup process in which an audible prompt may ask the user to name the unit and the voice recording is used to assign a name (for example "Jane").
  • the assigned audio name may be converted to text and used for voice controlled addressing by other members ("Speak only with Jane") or for notifications (e.g. "Jane has left the group”).
  • a user may initiate a private session with one or more selected members of the group, effectively temporarily muting the transmission of voice to or from members who are excluded from the group.
  • This may also include functionality such as a "mute-all" where a user does not wish to participate in group communication. Muting can be done via any UI available on a device 10, including via a voice command. In the latter case, multiple voice commands are recognized, such as muting a particular username, muting everyone, etc. There may also be a visible indication (For example "Red" LED on) to indicate a mute state.
  • Devices 10 may provide a "one-way" mode, for situations such as sports training where the instructor may be speaking to a group, including to other electronic devices (such as over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth or other protocol).
  • Devices 10 can also provide a mode allowing any other device 10, including units not explicitly paired or grouped, to communicate.
  • Audio "Emoji's” Devices 10 may allow sending out of audible notifications, for example two fast taps on a button may correspond to "Attention!. Audible notifications may be stored in memory 104 and retrieved upon the proper button taps or other input.
  • Devices 10 can be configured to generate alerts in the form of audible notifications (such as playing pre-defined sounds stored in memory 104), vibration alerts, LEDs or other means. This may be useful to indicate scenarios where the device 10 may be approaching an out-of-range situation, when a member has left the group, re-joined the group, switched off their unit and so on. This may be particularly helpful to overcome the problems found in two-way radios and other systems where a user may need to repeatedly ask "are you there", leading to frustration.
  • Devices 10 may provide a method to assess and indicate the link quality, to enable a member to perform certain actions, such as announcing to the group that they may be leaving the group or moving closer to other members.
  • Devices 10 may provide a method to determine and indicate the locations of other devices 10, or their relative location or orientation. This may be done by, for example, periodically or upon request transmitting GPS coordinates from each device 10.
  • Devices 10 may incorporate an emergency indicator, such as via a panic button, to send a distress signal to all devices 10 within range. This may be useful in cases of emergency where the user may be immobilized or may need medical attention. In this case, the emergency signal may also be broadcast to all nearby devices 10 and not limited to units explicitly grouped.
  • an emergency indicator such as via a panic button
  • Devices 10 may also generate an alert to members of a group where one device 10 is motionless, submerged for more than a certain duration or in some other potentially distressed situation.
  • Devices 10 may allow sending of short voice recordings between devices 10. This may also include recording and playback of voice snippets when a member has left a group and later re-joined.
  • Noise reduction Devices 10 can implement noise reduction techniques, including wind-noise and other ambient noise reduction DSP filtering, where the noise picked up by the connected microphone 30 is reduced through a digital signal processing filter in the application processor 102 before the resulting audio stream is transmitted to other devices 10.
  • Noise reduction may also be adaptive to environment / noise type - e.g. surf noise, motorbike noise.
  • Noise reduction may also be speed dependent, where the speed of a device 10 is determined through GPS or other means.
  • Noise reduction may also be mechanical, using techniques such as foam padding around the microphone element.
  • Devices 10 may implement echo cancellation, to stop radio transmission where other devices 10 may be close enough to hear voice directly, but only for those people. This may be implemented by proximity detection, for example, based on RSSI between device 10 radios, or other means.
  • Devices 10 may mix the voice received from various units, tones, or music from an attached or Bluetooth-paired phone.
  • the volume level of each signal while mixing may be adjusted based on the situation. For example, when the user is listening to music from the attached phone 20 and there is incoming received speech - the music may not be stopped but rather the music may slowly be faded out and the voice signal may be faded in. This may give a preferred user experience as compared to abruptly stopping one input and starting another other.
  • the volume of each user may be adjusted based on the distance - the volume of the user who is farther away may be lower as compared to the user who is close by, for instance.
  • Pairing and Grouping Push-button pairing between any two devices 10 to link the nodes for communication, whereby a user presses a "link” button on one unit and then presses a "link” button on another unit, and an LED or some other indicator shows when a connection is established between the two devices 10. The connection persists on power off/on. To add a new device 10 to an existing group, the process is repeated using any member of the group and the new unit to be added. Pairing may also use proximity sensing (such as RSSI) to pair only to other nodes within a pre-set distance range (e.g. ⁇ 2m). Pairing may be removed by repeating the procedure between any two previously paired units. Besides push-button, pairing may also be initiated by other means like voice commands, NFC proximity, waving or shaking two devices 10, LED flashing, or positioning units in a specific manner (like upside down).
  • proximity sensing such as RSSI
  • FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram describing a secure group admission process for portable group communication devices of embodiments of the invention.
  • user1 and user2 may wish to form a group.
  • User1 may instruct his device 10 to begin the group formation process, such as by pressing a "link" button on his or her device 10.
  • this button may be a physical button or a virtual one, such as an icon on a display, a prompt, a voice command, or the like.
  • device 1 broadcasts periodic group invitation messages to other devices in range.
  • devices in range such as device2 shown in FIG. 7 , receive one or more invitation messages and, in response, display an indicator of a group invitation to their user.
  • device2 may turn on a link indicator, such as a light or LED, notifying user2 of a group invitation.
  • device1 continues to broadcast periodic invitations.
  • User2 may ignore the request, which may time out after a predetermined time, or accept. Acceptance may be by pressing an appropriate button on device2, responding to a prompt, etc.
  • device2 begins broadcasting periodic invitation response messages to any other device in range, as shown.
  • device1 turns on its link lamp or other indicator, indicating to user1 that user2 has accepted his or her group invitation.
  • Device1 then broadcasts a join acknowledge message acknowledging to device2 that it has joined the group.
  • invitations and responses may each be performed according to any accepted protocol, and may each include any information required or consistent with the protocol.
  • messages may include a security key, a unique identifier such as the MAC address of the device sending the message, a random number, or the like.
  • Subsequent packets sent between group devices may include these identifiers, so that receiving devices acknowledge and use packets from other devices in the group, and ignore or reject those with identifiers of devices not in the group.
  • device2 may look at the signal strength of the invitation signal, and ignore the invitation if the signal is too weak, i.e. if device1 is too far away (indicating a likely accidental group invite) or the connection is too unreliable. Likewise, device1 may examine the signal strength of device2's response message, and decline/ignore it if it is too weak, and device2 may also examine the strength of device1's acknowledge message.
  • devices 10 may operate in conjunction with phones 20 or other electronic devices. This allows for added functionality when operating devices 10. More specifically, various functions of phones 20, such as music playback, may be made available through devices 10. In this manner, devices 10 may allow for group communication while also supporting functions of phones 20 such as music.
  • FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram describing combined music and speech operation.
  • user1 and user2 communicate with each other via their devices device1 and device2, while device1 is also connected to phone1.
  • user1 first decides to listen to music, and accordingly instructs his phone1 to play music or other audio through device1.
  • the phone1 pairs with device1 in known manner via any wired or wireless communication protocol, such as Bluetooth or via cable connection.
  • phone1 transmits the selected music or other audio file to device1 for playback.
  • Embodiments of the invention allow one device in a group to be selected as Leader, with the rest of the devices in the group then being Followers. In this arrangement, if the Leader plays music, this same music is also played to each of the Followers. Thus, device1 transmits its received music to device2 as well, and both devices play this music. User2 thus hears the same music as user1 selects and hears.
  • device1 When user1 (i.e. the Leader) speaks, device1 picks up his or her speech, halts music playback, halts transmission of music to device2 (so that device2 also halts music playback), converts the received speech to a digital audio signal as above and transmits the audio stream to device2. Device2 then plays the audio stream to user2. When user1's speech ends, device1 stops transmitting audio to device2, resumes music playback to user1, and also resumes transmission of music to device2. Thus, when user1 stops talking, both device 1 and device2 resume playing music.
  • device2 When user2 (i.e. the Bearer) speaks, device2 picks up his/her speech, and transmits the resulting audio stream to device1. Device1 then halts music playback to user1, halts transmission of music to device2, and plays the audio stream instead. When user2 stops speaking, device2 ends audio transmission to device1. Device1 then stops audio playback, resumes music playback to user1, and also resumes transmission of music to device2. Thus, when user2 stops talking, both device1 and device2 resume music play.
  • user2 i.e. the Follower
  • Embodiments of the invention also include further functionality. Exemplary added functionality may be implemented by any one or more of the application processor 102, audio codec 106, and DSP 108 in conjunction with a phone20 or other device, in known manner, and is listed and described as follows. If desired, devices 10 may implement any one or more of the following functions: Phone connectivity: Device 10 can connect to a phone over a wired analog or digital connection, or via a wireless connection such as Bluetooth. It may also be paired to a phone 20 over Bluetooth and possibly concurrently paired to Bluetooth headphones. It may also be connected over an analog, digital or Bluetooth connection to an external speaker.
  • Phone connectivity Device 10 can connect to a phone over a wired analog or digital connection, or via a wireless connection such as Bluetooth. It may also be paired to a phone 20 over Bluetooth and possibly concurrently paired to Bluetooth headphones. It may also be connected over an analog, digital or Bluetooth connection to an external speaker.
  • Phone Call Control Use cases related to phone interaction are enabled or disabled, depending on whether a device 10 detects that it is connected to a phone. For example, the user may be able to mute phone calls from their device 10 or receive indication of the caller name, phone number, etc. on the device 10.
  • the call is passed through the device 10, which may accordingly stop its on-board radio transmission.
  • the user may also prefer to give priority to the on-board radio transmission of the device 10 over the phone call or route the phone call to other devices 10.
  • a device 10 may be configured to enable the sharing (streaming) of a single cellular call among multiple devices 10.
  • the device 10 may mix two streams of audio, where the first stream is continuous such as music from a connected phone and the second is intermittent speech received from another device 10. For example, music volume may be lowered so that the speech can be heard over the music. Music volume may be ramped down as a function of the duration of the conversation or speech. For instance, more speech decreases the ramp speed. Generally, the music stream is played at full volume and when the second stream contains speech, only the second stream is played (or, instead of outright muting, both streams are combined but the volume of the first stream is significantly lowered). After speech ends, the volume of the first stream may be ramped back up as a function of time, at a constant rate, or at a rate determined by the probability that further speech acts will ensue.
  • the first stream is continuous such as music from a connected phone and the second is intermittent speech received from another device 10. For example, music volume may be lowered so that the speech can be heard over the music. Music volume may be ramped down as a function of the duration of the conversation or speech. For instance
  • “Tap-on-shoulder” situation Include functionality to mute music where users are in close proximity (as determined by GPS or perhaps NFC), without transmitting speech (so as to, for example, address the common situation of needing to tap a person on the shoulder to speak with them because they are listening to music).
  • Local storage for music files for listening to music without connected phone or for storing past conversations or videos. Received audio or files may be stored for future local retrieval and playback.
  • Devices 10 may also store conversations.
  • the recorded voice may be time stamped, location stamped or marked in some other way, possibly in connection with another accessory such as a GoProTM or other video or photo capture device, to later allow synchronized playback of the voice with the video or photos.
  • the common voice, or an added non-audible watermark track or other syncing method may also be used as the means to synchronize videos and audio/text captured on a multitude of devices, such as GoProTM or similar devices, thereby facilitating the recreating of a multi-media, multi-view experience.
  • Devices 10 The functionality described here is not limited to control and interoperation with cell phones. Devices 10 may also be connected to other devices such as tablets or notebook computers, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
  • the present invention can be implemented in software and/or in a combination of software and hardware, e.g., using application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), a general purpose computer or any other hardware that can implement and carry out any of the modules and processes described above.
  • ASIC application specific integrated circuits
  • the above described functions and processes can be loaded into memory 104 and executed by processor 102 and/or DSP 108 to implement the functions as discussed above.
  • this functionality may be integrated into another device like a phone or tablet.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Audiology, Speech & Language Pathology (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Computational Linguistics (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Computer Vision & Pattern Recognition (AREA)
  • Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)
  • Telephone Function (AREA)

Claims (15)

  1. Ein tragbares Kommunikationsgerät (10), das zum Kommunizieren mit mehreren anderen tragbaren Kommunikationsgeräten konfiguriert ist, aufweisend:
    eine Benutzerschnittstelle (116), einen oder mehrere digitale Prozessoren (102), die in elektronischer Kommunikation mit der Benutzeroberfläche stehen, und zumindest einen Speicher (104), der in elektronischer Kommunikation mit dem einen oder den mehreren digitalen Prozessoren steht, wobei der eine oder die mehreren digitalen Prozessoren und der zumindest eine Speicher kollektiv konfiguriert sind zum:
    Implementieren gleichzeitiger Radiofrequenz-Sprachkommunikation zwischen dem tragbaren Kommunikationsgerät und anderen von den tragbaren Kommunikationsgeräten durch:
    Bilden einer Gruppe durch Paaren des tragbaren Kommunikationsgeräts mit einem anderen der tragbaren Kommunikationsgeräte durch eine direkte Verbindung zwischen dem tragbaren Kommunikationsgerät und dem anderen tragbaren Kommunikationsgerät, wobei das Paaren ein Aussenden einer Einladungsnachricht von dem tragbaren Kommunikationsgerät aus und, als Reaktion auf das Empfangen einer
    Einladungsantwortnachricht von dem anderen tragbaren Kommunikationsgerät, ein Senden einer Beitritt-Bestätigungsnachricht von dem tragbaren Kommunikationsgerät aufweist, die dem anderen tragbaren Kommunikationsgerät bestätigt, dass das tragbare Kommunikationsgerät und das andere tragbare Kommunikationsgerät der Gruppe beigetreten sind;
    Übertragen von Audiodaten, die dem Sprechen eines Benutzers des tragbaren Kommunikationsgeräts entsprechen, direkt über ein drahtloses Medium an jedes tragbare Kommunikationsgerät in der Gruppe;
    Empfangen von Audiodaten direkt über das drahtlose Medium, die Sprechen von jedem der tragbaren Kommunikationsgeräte in der Gruppe entsprechen; und
    Übertragen der empfangenen Audiodaten an den Benutzer des tragbaren Kommunikationsgeräts, um dem Benutzer ein kombiniertes und gleichzeitiges Sprechen der Benutzer der anderen tragbaren Kommunikationsgeräte in der Gruppe bereitzustellen;
    wobei die zwischen dem tragbaren Kommunikationsgerät und den anderen tragbaren Kommunikationsgeräten in der Gruppe übertragenen und empfangenen Audiodaten nur über das drahtlose Medium übertragen und empfangen werden und direkt zwischen dem tragbaren Kommunikationsgerät und den anderen tragbaren Kommunikationsgeräten übertragen und empfangen werden;
    wobei der eine oder die mehreren digitalen Prozessoren und der zumindest eine Speicher ferner zusammen konfiguriert sind zum:
    Bestimmen der Standorte der anderen tragbaren Kommunikationsgeräte in der Gruppe;
    Steuern, welche anderen tragbaren Kommunikationsgeräte in der Gruppe das Sprechen des Benutzers empfangen und wiedergeben basierend auf der Lautstärke des Sprechens und der Nähe jedes der anderen tragbaren Kommunikationsgeräte in der Gruppe zum tragbaren Kommunikationsgerät.
  2. Das tragbare Kommunikationsgerät nach Anspruch 1, wobei jedes der eins oder mehr tragbare Kommunikationsgeräte ein starres Gehäuse aufweist, und wobei die Benutzeroberfläche auf dem Gehäuse positioniert ist.
  3. Das tragbare Kommunikationsgerät nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Benutzeroberfläche ein elektronisches Display und/oder einen oder mehrere Buttons und/oder ein oder mehrere Räder und/oder ein berührungsempfindliches Display und/oder eine Sprachschnittstelle aufweist.
  4. Das tragbare Kommunikationsgerät nach Anspruch 3, wobei die Sprachschnittstelle eine Audio-Lautsprecher-Schnittstelle und/oder zumindest eine Mikrofonschnittstelle aufweist.
  5. Das tragbare Kommunikationsgerät nach Anspruch 4, ferner aufweisend computerlesbare Anweisungen, die in dem zumindest einen Speicher gespeichert sind, die Anweisungen aufweisend Anweisungen zur Durchführung eines oder mehrerer sprachinitiierter Prozesse.
  6. Das tragbare Kommunikationsgerät nach Anspruch 5, wobei der eine oder die mehreren sprachinitiierten Prozesse Prozesse zur sprachaktivierten Übertragung der Audiodaten und/oder Prozesse zur Bestimmung eines oder mehrerer Befehle von einer Stimme des Benutzers des tragbaren Kommunikationsgeräts aufweisen.
  7. Das tragbare Kommunikationsgerät nach Anspruch 6, wobei die Befehle Befehle zum Stummschalten der anderen der tragbaren Kommunikationsgeräte, Befehle zum Richten der übertragenen Audiodaten nur an eine Teilmenge der anderen der tragbaren Kommunikationsgeräte und Befehle zum Zuweisen eines oder mehrerer der anderen Kommunikationsgeräte einen hörbaren Namen aufweisen.
  8. Das tragbare Kommunikationsgerät nach Anspruch 5, wobei der eine oder die mehreren sprachinitiierte Prozesse Prozesse zur Bestimmung einer Lautstärke des Sprechens des Benutzers aufweisen.
  9. Das tragbare Kommunikationsgerät nach Anspruch 1, ferner aufweisend computerlesbaren Anweisungen, die in dem zumindest einen Speicher des tragbaren Kommunikationsgeräts gespeichert sind, wobei die Anweisungen Anweisungen aufweisen zum Initiieren eines oder mehrerer von:
    einem Nur-Broadcast-Modus, in welchem das Empfangen von Audiodaten, das Mischen und das Übertragen der gemischten Audiodaten deaktiviert sind;
    einem offenen Modus, der die Kommunikation mit Geräten neben den anderen der tragbaren Kommunikationsgeräte in der Gruppe ermöglicht;
    einem Ermitteln einer Qualität der empfangenen Audiodaten;
    einem Ermitteln von Standorten der anderen der tragbaren Kommunikationsgeräte;
    einem Ermitteln, ob eines der anderen tragbaren Kommunikationsgeräte außer Reichweite ist oder demnächst außer Reichweite sein wird;
    einem Ermitteln, ob eines der anderen der tragbaren Kommunikationsgeräte ausgeschaltet ist;
    einem Übertragen eines Notsignals;
    einem Bestimmen eines bewegungslosen Zustands eines der anderen der tragbaren Kommunikationsgeräte;
    einer Reduktion des Rauschens der empfangenen Audiodaten;
    einer Echoreduktion;
    einem Erzeugen eines Komfortgeräuschs; und
    einem Mischen der empfangenen Audiodaten mit einem anderen Audiodatenstrom.
  10. Das tragbare Kommunikationsgerät nach Anspruch 9, wobei der andere Audiodatenstrom ein Musik-Stream ist, der von einem lokal verbundenen Gerät bereitgestellt wird, das kein anderes tragbares Kommunikationsgerät ist.
  11. Das tragbare Kommunikationsgerät nach Anspruch 1, ferner aufweisend computerlesbare Informationen, die in dem zumindest einen Speicher (104) des tragbaren Kommunikationsgeräts gespeichert sind, wobei die Informationen einer oder mehreren Benachrichtigungen für den Benutzer entsprechen.
  12. Das tragbare Kommunikationsgerät nach Anspruch 11, wobei die Benachrichtigungen einen Vibrationsalarm und/oder ein Illuminieren eines Lichts und/oder einen visuellen Alarm, der auf einem Display angezeigt wird, aufweist.
  13. Das tragbare Kommunikationsgerät nach Anspruch 1, ferner aufweisend computerlesbare Informationen, die in dem zumindest einen Speicher (104) des tragbaren Kommunikationsgeräts gespeichert sind, wobei die Informationen einer Sprachaufzeichnung entsprechen.
  14. Das tragbare Kommunikationsgerät nach Anspruch 1, wobei in jedem tragbaren Kommunikationsgerät der eine oder die mehreren digitalen Prozessoren (106, 108) und der zumindest eine Speicher (104) ferner kollektiv dazu konfiguriert sind, die Gruppe mit den anderen der tragbaren Kommunikationsgeräte so zu bilden, dass die Sprachkommunikation nur zwischen dem Benutzer des tragbaren Kommunikationsgeräts und den anderen tragbaren Kommunikationsgeräten der Gruppe stattfindet.
  15. Das tragbare Kommunikationsgerät nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Sprachkommunikation ferner ein Mischen der empfangenen Audiodaten von den anderen der tragbaren Kommunikationsgeräte aufweist und wobei das Übertragen der empfangenen Audiodaten an den Benutzer ferner ein Übertragen der gemischten Audiodaten an den Benutzer aufweist.
EP16815247.8A 2015-06-22 2016-06-22 Tragbare gruppenkommunikationsvorrichtung Active EP3311626B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201562182956P 2015-06-22 2015-06-22
PCT/US2016/038828 WO2016210007A1 (en) 2015-06-22 2016-06-22 Portable group communication device and method of use

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3311626A1 EP3311626A1 (de) 2018-04-25
EP3311626A4 EP3311626A4 (de) 2019-01-16
EP3311626B1 true EP3311626B1 (de) 2021-05-05

Family

ID=57586303

Family Applications (3)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP16815251.0A Active EP3311627B1 (de) 2015-06-22 2016-06-22 Tragbare gruppenkommunikationsvorrichtung
EP16815247.8A Active EP3311626B1 (de) 2015-06-22 2016-06-22 Tragbare gruppenkommunikationsvorrichtung
EP16815252.8A Active EP3311628B1 (de) 2015-06-22 2016-06-22 Tragbare gruppenkommunikationsvorrichtung

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP16815251.0A Active EP3311627B1 (de) 2015-06-22 2016-06-22 Tragbare gruppenkommunikationsvorrichtung

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP16815252.8A Active EP3311628B1 (de) 2015-06-22 2016-06-22 Tragbare gruppenkommunikationsvorrichtung

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (3) US10003625B2 (de)
EP (3) EP3311627B1 (de)
WO (3) WO2016210012A1 (de)

Families Citing this family (30)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10666735B2 (en) 2014-05-19 2020-05-26 Auerbach Michael Harrison Tretter Dynamic computer systems and uses thereof
US10003625B2 (en) 2015-06-22 2018-06-19 Loose Cannon Systems, Inc. Portable group communication device and method of use
US10451719B2 (en) 2016-06-22 2019-10-22 Loose Cannon Systems, Inc. System and method to indicate relative location of nodes in a group
EP3515232B1 (de) * 2016-09-26 2021-11-17 Snap Inc. Mehrfunktionsbehälter für elektronische brillen
CN108377474A (zh) * 2016-11-14 2018-08-07 展讯通信（上海）有限公司 一种多通路终端通话转移方法及装置
US10916243B2 (en) * 2016-12-27 2021-02-09 Amazon Technologies, Inc. Messaging from a shared device
US10110721B2 (en) * 2016-12-30 2018-10-23 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Wireless-enabled consumer port apparatus for accommodating after-market devices flexibly in vehicles
CN107203322B (zh) * 2017-05-12 2021-05-18 歌尔科技有限公司 触控式音响按键及其控制方法
JP6513749B2 (ja) * 2017-08-09 2019-05-15 レノボ・シンガポール・プライベート・リミテッド 音声アシストシステム、サーバ装置、その音声アシスト方法、及びコンピュータが実行するためのプログラム
US10971173B2 (en) 2017-12-08 2021-04-06 Google Llc Signal processing coordination among digital voice assistant computing devices
US11037555B2 (en) 2017-12-08 2021-06-15 Google Llc Signal processing coordination among digital voice assistant computing devices
US10348878B2 (en) * 2017-12-12 2019-07-09 Ronald Snagg Wireless communication headset system
US20190200245A1 (en) * 2017-12-27 2019-06-27 Phazr, Inc. Systems and Methods for Determining Preferred Location and Orientation of Wireless Broadband Router
US10944555B2 (en) * 2018-05-17 2021-03-09 Bose Corporation Secure methods and systems for identifying bluetooth connected devices with installed application
EP3588994B1 (de) 2018-06-29 2023-08-02 Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG Verfahren zum begriffsabhängigen ausgeben einer auf einer spracheingabe basierenden information und system
CN109300470B (zh) * 2018-09-17 2023-05-02 平安科技（深圳）有限公司 混音分离方法和混音分离装置
KR20200034499A (ko) * 2018-09-21 2020-03-31 삼성전자주식회사 메모리 장치와 통신하는 데이터 처리 장치 및 방법
WO2020107360A1 (zh) * 2018-11-30 2020-06-04 华为技术有限公司 一种语音识别方法、设备及系统
WO2021009513A1 (en) * 2019-07-16 2021-01-21 Peclet Limited Headset system for establishing a call session
CN112422399A (zh) * 2019-08-23 2021-02-26 广州思脉时通讯科技有限公司 群组即时通信装置、系统及即时通信方法
US20210096811A1 (en) * 2019-09-26 2021-04-01 Apple Inc. Adaptive Audio Output
JP2021173620A (ja) * 2020-04-24 2021-11-01 セイコーエプソン株式会社 測位システム、携帯端末およびプログラム
EP3930342A1 (de) * 2020-06-22 2021-12-29 GN Audio A/S Adaptives multiband-hörgerät
USD973611S1 (en) * 2020-07-09 2022-12-27 Loose Cannon Systems, Inc. Portable communication device
CN111934823B (zh) * 2020-08-12 2022-08-02 中国联合网络通信集团有限公司 数据传输方法、无线接入网络设备、用户平面功能实体
US11778427B2 (en) * 2020-09-09 2023-10-03 Pixart Imaging Inc. Group voice communication of walkie-talkie mode in Bluetooth communication system
US11128955B1 (en) * 2020-09-15 2021-09-21 Motorola Solutions, Inc. Method and apparatus for managing audio processing in a converged portable communication device
US20220103199A1 (en) * 2020-09-29 2022-03-31 Sonos, Inc. Audio Playback Management of Multiple Concurrent Connections
GB202102490D0 (en) * 2021-02-22 2021-04-07 Purebright Ltd Method and system for audio broadcast to proximate peers
CN116015545A (zh) * 2022-12-12 2023-04-25 Oppo广东移动通信有限公司 数据传输方法、装置、音频播放设备及计算机可读介质

Family Cites Families (29)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4941187A (en) * 1984-02-03 1990-07-10 Slater Robert W Intercom apparatus for integrating disparate audio sources for use in light aircraft or similar high noise environments
FI982490A0 (fi) * 1998-11-18 1998-11-18 Nokia Corp Menetelmä ja järjestelmä viestintää varten
US20030158900A1 (en) 2002-02-05 2003-08-21 Santos Richard A. Method of and apparatus for teleconferencing
US7933226B2 (en) 2003-10-22 2011-04-26 Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated System and method for providing communication channels that each comprise at least one property dynamically changeable during social interactions
US8121057B1 (en) * 2003-10-31 2012-02-21 Twisted Pair Solutions, Inc. Wide area voice environment multi-channel communications system and method
US20050136837A1 (en) 2003-12-22 2005-06-23 Nurminen Jukka K. Method and system for detecting and using context in wireless networks
US20050143103A1 (en) 2003-12-31 2005-06-30 France Telecom, S.A System, method, device, and computer program product for a sender to send a personalized notification to a recipient of a communication
FI20045180A0 (fi) * 2004-05-19 2004-05-19 Nokia Corp Ryhmä-ääniviestinnän hallinta tietoliikennejärjestelmässä
US8594341B2 (en) 2004-10-18 2013-11-26 Leigh M. Rothschild System and method for selectively switching between a plurality of audio channels
EP1867067A2 (de) 2005-03-29 2007-12-19 Sonim Technologies Inc. Sprachkonferenzen von push-to-talk-over-cellular (halbduplex) zu vollduplex
US7882176B2 (en) * 2005-05-27 2011-02-01 Microsoft Corporation Establishing a multiparty session by sending invitations in parallel
US8433050B1 (en) * 2006-02-06 2013-04-30 Avaya Inc. Optimizing conference quality with diverse codecs
US9036510B1 (en) * 2006-03-30 2015-05-19 Sprint Spectrum L.P. Method and system for setting up a conference with a mobile station via another mobile station
TWI367021B (en) 2006-11-22 2012-06-21 Wistron Neweb Corp Mobile communication device capable of performing group communication between cellular communication system and voip system
EP2020777A1 (de) * 2007-07-30 2009-02-04 Massimo Mulinacci Telekommunikationssystem und Funksende-/Empfangsvorrichtung
US8856003B2 (en) * 2008-04-30 2014-10-07 Motorola Solutions, Inc. Method for dual channel monitoring on a radio device
US8325896B2 (en) * 2008-11-20 2012-12-04 Citrix Systems, Inc. System and method for dynamic audio conference call configuration and management
US8706097B2 (en) 2010-08-13 2014-04-22 Blackberry Limited Delaying delivery of teleconference access information
US20120173620A1 (en) 2010-12-29 2012-07-05 Microsoft Corporation Creation and management of resilient wireless groups
CA2832522C (en) 2011-04-19 2021-09-07 Nagravision S.A. Ethernet decoder device and method to access protected content
US9661476B2 (en) * 2011-06-09 2017-05-23 Avago Technologies General Ip (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. Method and apparatus for facilitating multicast service
US9338275B2 (en) * 2012-04-23 2016-05-10 Igor' Vladimirovich Janovskiy Terminal network for wireless voice communication
US9204095B2 (en) 2012-05-04 2015-12-01 Hong Jiang Instant communications system having established communication channels between communication devices
US8923880B2 (en) 2012-09-28 2014-12-30 Intel Corporation Selective joinder of user equipment with wireless cell
US20140160996A1 (en) 2012-12-07 2014-06-12 Rajant Corporation System and method for decentralized voice conferencing over dynamic networks
US9774639B2 (en) * 2013-03-15 2017-09-26 Comet Capital, Llc System and method for multi-party communication
EP2811726A1 (de) * 2013-06-07 2014-12-10 Vodafone IP Licensing limited Konferenzanrufaufbau
US8953778B2 (en) 2013-06-17 2015-02-10 Avaya Inc. Real-time intelligent mute interactive features
US10003625B2 (en) 2015-06-22 2018-06-19 Loose Cannon Systems, Inc. Portable group communication device and method of use

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
BENNO RITTER: "ZigBee: Solutions for Today, Building for Tomorrow;M2M(10)0264_Presentation_from_ZigBee", ETSI DRAFT; M2M(10)0264_PRESENTATION_FROM_ZIGBEE, EUROPEAN TELECOMMUNICATIONS STANDARDS INSTITUTE (ETSI), 650, ROUTE DES LUCIOLES ; F-06921 SOPHIA-ANTIPOLIS ; FRANCE, vol. SmartM2M, 9 July 2010 (2010-07-09), pages 1 - 38, XP014165415 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US10938873B2 (en) 2021-03-02
US10237317B2 (en) 2019-03-19
US10003625B2 (en) 2018-06-19
EP3311628A1 (de) 2018-04-25
EP3311628B1 (de) 2021-05-05
US20160373501A1 (en) 2016-12-22
WO2016210012A1 (en) 2016-12-29
WO2016210007A1 (en) 2016-12-29
EP3311627A1 (de) 2018-04-25
WO2016210011A1 (en) 2016-12-29
EP3311627A4 (de) 2019-01-16
EP3311627B1 (de) 2021-05-05
EP3311626A1 (de) 2018-04-25
EP3311626A4 (de) 2019-01-16
US20160373899A1 (en) 2016-12-22
EP3311628A4 (de) 2019-01-16
US20160373583A1 (en) 2016-12-22

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3311626B1 (de) Tragbare gruppenkommunikationsvorrichtung
CN107659551B (zh) 用于利用lte进行音频通信的系统与方法
CN112868244B (zh) 一种点对多点的数据传输方法及设备
CN113169760B (zh) 无线短距离音频共享方法及电子设备
US9838062B2 (en) Wireless headset system with two different radio protocols
US9973327B2 (en) Connective assembly for selectively interfacing a listening device with two-way radio and cellular device
US10827455B1 (en) Method and apparatus for sending a notification to a short-range wireless communication audio output device
WO2006088273A1 (en) Remote control system for mobile phones
CN115152243A (zh) 听力保护器系统
US20080089513A1 (en) Methods and devices for detection, control and annunciation of speakerphone use
WO2022213689A1 (zh) 一种音频设备间语音互通的方法及设备
TW200417230A (en) Wireless mobile phone headset capable of triggering mobile phone for signaling location
CN112367581B (zh) 一种耳机装置、通话系统、设备及装置
US8611846B2 (en) One-way buffered communicator
US7174168B2 (en) Method of call routing in a public/private communication system
US20060292985A1 (en) Bluetooth earpiece with two-way audio transmissions
CN109155803B (zh) 音频数据处理方法、终端设备和存储介质
US7162277B2 (en) Wireless earphone with built-in mobile communications module and dial-up method of the same
TW201014210A (en) Wireless positioning system, positioning receiver of the system, and communication host
KR20100124956A (ko) 무선 헤드셋 시스템과 이를 이용한 통화 방법
JP2007325201A (ja) 音源分離法
KR20080007729A (ko) 푸쉬-투-토크 서비스를 이용한 이동통신단말기 사이의디지털 멀티미디어 방송 데이터 송수신 방법
JP3103898U (ja) ワイヤレストランシーバ装置
RU2014111988A (ru) Мобильное устройство и способ трехстороннего вызова
JP2003163625A (ja) 電話システム

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20171208

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

DAV Request for validation of the european patent (deleted)
DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
A4 Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched

Effective date: 20181219

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: H04M 3/56 20060101ALI20181213BHEP

Ipc: G10L 21/0208 20130101ALI20181213BHEP

Ipc: H04M 1/725 20060101ALI20181213BHEP

Ipc: H04W 4/06 20090101ALI20181213BHEP

Ipc: G06F 3/16 20060101ALI20181213BHEP

Ipc: H04L 12/18 20060101ALI20181213BHEP

Ipc: H04W 4/00 20180101ALI20181213BHEP

Ipc: H04W 88/02 20090101AFI20181213BHEP

Ipc: H04L 29/06 20060101ALI20181213BHEP

Ipc: G10L 15/00 20130101ALI20181213BHEP

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20200204

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20200604

GRAJ Information related to disapproval of communication of intention to grant by the applicant or resumption of examination proceedings by the epo deleted

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSDIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

INTC Intention to grant announced (deleted)
GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20201218

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1391485

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20210515

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602016057507

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG9D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1391485

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20210505

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210505

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210505

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210805

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210505

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210505

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210905

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210806

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210505

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210505

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210906

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210805

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210505

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210505

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20210505

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210505

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210505

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210505

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210505

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210505

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210505

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210505

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210505

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602016057507

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20210630

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210505

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210622

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20220208

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210630

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210622

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210630

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210905

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210505

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210505

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210630

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230418

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210505

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20160622

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20230630

Year of fee payment: 8

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20230622

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20230522

Year of fee payment: 8

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210505